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Cluster of Spotted bee balm blooms with pink bracts

When familiar plants surprise us: A look at spotted bee balm

August 7, 2026

Do you ever ‘rediscover’ a plant? And by ‘rediscover’ I mean, you are fully aware of the plant, you can identify it, it is abundant in the landscape, you might even have it in your own landscape, but even though it is present, it doesn’t mean it is noticed until it is. It seems like this happens to...

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Foliage of a Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica'), with a branch showing reversion to the normal Alberta White Spruce growth habit (larger leaves and longer internodes).

A Twist of Genetics: How and Why Landscape Plants Revert

June 26, 2026

Good Growing

Plant breeding and selection programs have provided homeowners and landscape managers with a huge variety of plant options. Many familiar woody plant species are now available in unique sizes, unusual shapes, or produce leaves in nontraditional colors. Many of these selections are derived from a...

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Crocus flowers that have been damaged by cold temperatures.

Spring teases and freezes: How spring temperature swings affect plants

March 20, 2026

Good Growing

Early spring often brings unpredictable weather, from 80-degree days to temperatures well below freezing. While many plants are adapted to withstand cold temperatures when dormant, they become far more vulnerable once they begin to emerge from dormancy. While early‑emerging plants such as...

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ZZ plant in white pot in front of a picture window winter scene outdoors

Houseplant spotlight: the ZZ plant

January 9, 2026

Good Growing

During these dormant months, my houseplants are receiving more of my attention than they usually get (which is usually very little). While watering and rotating my collection, I noticed new growth on my ZZ plant, and I couldn’t help but celebrate this small victory with all of you.This plant was...

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Goldenrod soldier beetles on goldenrod blossoms

Fall flower visitors – Goldenrod soldier beetles

August 22, 2025

Good Growing

As fall approaches, our landscapes begin to transition. Summer bloomers like purple coneflower, prairie blazing star, and milkweeds begin to fade while fall bloomers like asters and goldenrod begin their colorful displays. These plants are commonly covered in pollinators, one of which is the...

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Silent, slimy pests of the shade: Slugs

June 13, 2025

Good Growing

If you have noticed ragged, irregular holes in your hostas or other broad-leaf garden plants, you may be dealing with garden slugs. These soft-bodied pests can be found in shady, moist gardens, and although small, they can cause significant damage.Identifying SlugsSlugs are members of the...

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Easter lilies: war, global production, and the Midwest landscape

April 11, 2025

Good Growing

In addition to the spring flowers blooming outside, many enjoy the fragrant flowers of a Lilium longiflorum (Easter lily) as a symbol of spring and the Christian holiday Easter. Growers manipulate the growth cycle and force them to bloom so that we can enjoy these...

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Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden

February 7, 2025

Good Growing

Each year, a variety of establishments attempt to make news by predicting annual garden trends. I’m conflicted over these reports because, on the one hand, they are fun ways to see what types of new things are on the horizon. Yet on the other hand, many of the trends are elaborate and expensive to...

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How does cold weather affect garden plants?

January 24, 2025

Good Growing

As cold weather sets in, we often find ourselves retreating indoors where it is warm. However, our landscape plants can't do this, and during times of extreme cold, like this recent cold snap, we may find ourselves wondering how our plants will fare. How do plants prepare for...

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How to overwinter geraniums for next year’s garden

October 11, 2024

Good Growing

Annual geraniums (Pelargonium) are among the most popular flowering plants grown in gardens. These easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plants provide color to landscapes from May until the arrival of frost. After the first hard frost, they are typically destined for the compost pile, but that...

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Ornamental Blogs